Continue Shopping

Prescription Drug Abuse Among Dental Patients: Scope, Prevention, and Management Considerations

49.95

About the Course:  
The purpose of this basic-level course is to provide dental practitioners with an appreciation of the scope of the problem of prescription drug abuse and a realization that the misuse and abuse of these drugs likely take place among the patient populations they serve. By becoming familiar with the pharmacology of the most commonly abused drugs, the risk factors for developing addictive behaviors, and the manner in which these medications are commonly acquired, dental providers will be positioned to curb prescribing practices that contribute to this growing problem and will be better able to serve their patients and their communities as informed prevention advocates.  

“This course will [partially] fulfill the DEA-mandated 8 hours of training on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders for DEA licensees renewing on or after June 27, 2023.”

Learning Objectives:  
After completing this course, the learner will be able to: 

  • Describe the history and scope of prescription drug abuse and the role of the dental professional. 
  • Define the terminology used in discussing prescription drug abuse. 
  • Explain the pharmacology, physiology, and regulatory control of the prescription drugs that are most commonly abused and the extent and impact of their nonmedical use. 
  • Describe the populations most at risk for abusing prescription drugs and their access to these drugs. 
  • Discuss the tactics and resources available to manage and prevent prescription drug abuse in the dental practice. 

About the Authors: 
Jean O’Donnell, DMD, MSN, is the associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, from which she received her DMD in 1990. She is also the academic integrity officer for the school and chair of the first-professional curriculum committee. Within the same institution, she is an associate professor in the department of Restorative Dentistry and Comprehensive Care. Dr. O’Donnell holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute and currently serves as one of the university’s liaisons to the ADEA Commission on Change and Innovation in Dental Education. She is also the dental school’s Women’s Liaison Officer with the ADEA. She is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Prescription drug abuse and tobacco cessation are among Dr. O’Donnell’s special interests.  

Michael A. Zemaitis, PhD, holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a PhD in pharmacology. He is a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, and he teaches in the professional and graduate programs in the School of Pharmacy and the School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Zemaitis’s current area of research interest is biochemical pharmacology, with a special interest in drug and metabolite analysis in biological fluids. He has worked as a consultant for state and federal government entities and is a charter member of the Pennsylvania Drug Utilization Review Board.  

AGD Subject Code: 134  

How to Receive Credit

  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to:
  • Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

This course will partially fulfill the DEA-mandated 8 hours of training on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders for DEA licensees renewing on or after June 27, 2023.

Disclosures 
Resolution of Conflict of Interest 
The contributors to this course have no conflicts of interest relative to its content. Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity. 

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement 
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners. 

Disclaimer 
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. 
©2020: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.